Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buford, GA (2023 Update)
- Buford Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $20,533
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buford
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Buford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Buford typically cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Buford is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,120 for a solar installation, or $17,332 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Buford homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Buford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,814 |
| 3 years | $-8,202 |
| 5 years | $-5,589 |
| 7 years | $-2,977 |
| 9 years | $-365 |
| 11 years | $2,247 |
| 13 years | $4,860 |
| 15 years | $7,472 |
| 17 years | $10,084 |
| 19 years | $12,697 |
| 21 years | $15,309 |
| 23 years | $17,921 |
| 25 years | $20,533 |
Top Solar Installers in Buford
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Buford:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Buford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buford
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Buford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Buford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Buford homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buford is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $17,734 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,931 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,271 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $36,754 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,379 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,147 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,058 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,112 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Buford, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buford?
The average cost of solar panels in Buford is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Buford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.